When Misunderstood by God's Own People
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 10 2026 | Acts 21:17-26
KEY VERSE: “They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.” (Acts 21:21, NIV)
MESSAGE:
After Paul humbly reported what God had done among the Gentiles, the leaders in Jerusalem rejoiced. Yet celebration is quickly followed by concern. Acts 21:20-21 reveals a painful reality of ministry: even faithful servants of God can be misunderstood, misrepresented, and mistrusted by fellow believers. This passage calls us to examine how we respond when those within the household of faith question our obedience to God. Lessons from this passage include the following:
God’s Work Can Be Celebrated and Questioned at the Same Time (v.20). The leaders glorified God for the Gentile mission. Yet, they immediately raised concerns about Paul’s reputation among Jewish believers. Joy over God’s work does not always erase suspicion or fear within the church.
Rumours Can Distort a Faithful Ministry (v.21). Paul is accused of teaching Jews to abandon Moses. These accusations misrepresent both his message and his heart. False reports can travel faster than truth, especially when fear and tradition are involved.
Faithfulness Does Not Guarantee Understanding (vv . 20–21). Paul has been obedient, sacrificial, and Spirit-led — yet he is misunderstood. Being right with God does not always mean being understood by people.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How do you respond when your obedience is misunderstood? When your heart is right with God, you can entrust your reputation to Him and continue walking faithfully. Ask God for grace to walk humbly and patiently to endure misunderstanding without bitterness. PRAYER:
Lord, when I am misunderstood or misrepresented, help me to remain faithful and humble. Guard my heart from bitterness and teach me to trust You with my reputation. May my life reflect Your truth even when my intentions are questioned. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: INFORMED The verb translated “informed” is katēchēthēsan (κατηχήθησαν), from katēcheō (κατηχέω). It means to instruct, to communicate, to convey information, often through repeated teaching or reporting. It is the root behind the English word catechise, which refers to structured instruction.
In Acts 21:21, the word points to information that has already taken root in people’s minds. The issue is not simply that people heard something. It is that they were taught a version of the story that was strong enough to shape their conclusions. This helps us see why rumours can feel “settled” even when they are wrong. It also explains why wise leadership in the church must patiently clarify issues with facts and humility.
Reflect on this:
Ask yourself: Who is shaping what I believe about others, and through what sources? Ask God for discernment to value truth over noise. Where clarification is needed, choose a calm, accountable path. When your own name is involved, stay truthful and respectful, and trust God to steady your heart as He guides the outcome.
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